Ferry from Cádiz to Gran Canaria

When traveling by ferry trip from Cádiz to Gran Canaria, you can take advantage of the regular discounts for certain passenger categories. Typically, you can expect cheaper ferry tickets for:

• Children (aged 4-11)
• Young travelers (under 26)
• Seniors (60+)
• Large families (Spanish citizens)

Additionally, there are discounts for residents of the Canary Islands for ferry trips within the archipelago and between the islands and mainland Spain.

Note: infants and children up to 3 years old normally travel free of charge.

The Cádiz - Gran Canaria ferry currently runs 2 times a week, with different itineraries depending on the departure day. The full journey takes around 35 hr, although the exact duration can vary by sailing.

Tuesday sailings via Arrecife

On Tuesdays, the ferry sails from Cádiz to Arrecife, Lanzarote, where it makes an intermediate stop before continuing to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. You normally remain on the same ferry for the entire journey.

Saturday sailings with a transfer in Tenerife

On Saturdays, the itinerary includes a ferry change in Santa Cruz de Tenerife before continuing to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The long-distance section from Cádiz is operated by a conventional cruise ferry, while the second leg of the journey involves a transfer to a high-speed catamaran in Tenerife, before continue to Gran Canaria.

This means you will need to take any pets and vehicles with you on the new ferry. Keep in mind that there are no cabins on the catamarans, so you will automatically be assigned VIP seat instead.

Note: schedules and intermediate connections can change, so make sure to check the itinerary for your travel date before booking.

Baleària mainly operates the Cádiz to Gran Canaria ferry routes with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Volcan de Tinamar, which are designed for long-haul travel and feature modern amenities for a comfortable and relaxed journey. Onboard, you will find:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and spacious seating on deck, where you can enjoy the sea view
• Bars, cafés and restaurants, where you can get drinks, snacks and full meals with a variety of menus on offer (including for celiacs and children)
• Shops and kiosks with snacks, gift, essentials and last-minute purchases
• Children’s play areas, as well as entertainment events during the high season
• Outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and terrace bar
• High-speed Wi-Fi access with a range of data bundles to suit your needs

On the Saturday crossings with a ferry change in Tenerife, the second leg of the journey is usually carried out by high-speed catamarans, such as the Volcan de Taidia. These vessels have a more limited range of amenities compared to the conventional cruise ferries, featuring indoor passenger lounges and outdoor decks, snack bars and cafés, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Accessibility

The ferries from Cádiz to Las Palmas are generally accessible to passengers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts connecting the vehicle and passenger decks, adapted seating and toilets, as well as accessible cabins with adapted amenities.

Baleària also offers free assistance during boarding, the crossing and disembarkation, provided you get in touch with the company at least 48 hr ahead of your departure.

Note: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Can I sleep on the ferry?

Yes, the ferry crossings from Spain to Las Palmas take about 34 hr, so you will be spending at least 1 night on board. On Baleària ferries, you have a range of accommodation options to suit your needs.

Cabins offer the highest degree of comfort and privacy, especially if you are traveling with children or pets. Alternatively, you can also stretch out in a more budget-friendly reclining seat in the VIP lounge.

What cabins can I book?

On the conventional cruise ferries, you can book a cabin that accommodates up to 4 passengers. Typically, your options include:

• Standard interior cabins
• Exterior cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins with sea view and double bed
• Cabins for travelers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins with bedding and water bowl

All cabins have air conditioning, a wardrobe, TV and private bathroom and cabin prices start at around €475.

What happens to my cabin if my journey includes a transfer?

On crossings with a ferry change in Tenerife, you will be assigned a VIP seat for the second leg of the journey, as the high-speed catamarans do not have cabins.

What seats can I book?

Baleària offers standard numbered seats in the Sirena lounge and VIP seats in the Neptuno lounge. These airplane-style seats generally have extra space and often include priority boarding and access to an exclusive area on board. 

Prices for VIP seats start from about €140.

Luggage

On Baleària ferries from mainland Spain to the Canary Islands, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board yourself, free of charge. The ferries have a dedicated luggage storage area, however it may not be accessible during the trip, so keep a bag with personal items with you. If you are traveling with a car or camper van, you can store your items in your vehicle.

Traveling with pets

You can bring your pet on the Cádiz - Gran Canaria ferries, provided you include it in your booking.

Don’t forget to bring along the necessary health and travel documents, tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the journey.

Good to know: for more information, you can check out our guide on traveling with your pet in Spain.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

Baleària offers the following pet accommodation options on the ferries to Gran Canaria from Cádiz:

• Pet&You: your pet stays with you on a mat next to your seat. 
• Calm Houses: ventilated kennels equipped with a video surveillance system, so you can monitor your pet during the trip.
• Pet-friendly cabins: these include a pet bed and water bowl, and easy access to a designated pet area.

The ferries have designated walking areas and pets are allowed in lounges and on passenger decks, but they are not permitted in dining areas. When outside of their accommodation, smaller pets must be kept in a carrier, while larger pets must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Cádiz to Gran Canaria:

• The port of Cádiz can get busy, especially in the summer, so plan your arrival there at least 2-3 hr in advance, as boarding closes 1.5 hr before departure.
• The sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication before the trip. As always, your pharmacist or doctor can help you pick the right one.
• For more travel options, you can also travel from mainland Spain on the Huelva - Gran Canaria ferry.
• We recommend book your return ticket on the Las Palmas - Cádiz ferry well in advance if you are traveling with a cabin or vehicle, as they are limited and often sell out during the high-season.
• For more ideas on places to visit and things to do on your vacations, you can check our guide on a 7-day road trip in Gran Canaria.
• From Cádiz, you can also sail to Lanzarote and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. For more details on all ferry routes, ferry operators and ticket prices, check out the Cádiz ferry schedules.
• If you’re feeling like you can’t get enough of the Canaries, you can plan an island-hopping excursion and visit the rest of the archipelago! On our Map of ferries, you can find all ferry combinations for island hopping in the Canary Islands and plan your next adventure!

Where to take the ferry from Cádiz to Gran Canaria

You can take the ferry to Gran Canaria from the port of Cádiz in Andalusia. The port is on the northeastern side of the city and near Cádiz’s old town, making it easy to reach on foot from many central hotels and attractions.

Just a short walk from the ferry terminal, you will find the Cádiz train station, as well as cafés, parking, ticket offices and car rental agencies. The port of Cádiz is about 40 km south of Jerez Airport.

How to reach the port of Cádiz

You can easily get to the port of Cádiz by road and rail:

• The main train station of Cádiz is a 5-10 min walk from the port, with frequent services connecting to Seville, Jerez, and other Andalusian cities.
• Several city buses, including lines 1, 3 and 5, stop near the port along Avenida del Puerto or Plaza España.
• There are plenty of taxis, with the ride from the city central or the train station taking 5 min or less, while journeys from Jerez Airport take about 30 min.
• If you are arriving by car from out of town, follow the AP-4 / A-4 freeway toward Cádiz and as you approach the city, look out for signs to Puerto de la Bahía de Cádiz.

Where does the ferry arrive in Gran Canaria?

Ferries from Cádiz typically dock at Puerto de la Luz in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The port is in the capital of Gran Canaria, on the northeastern coast, and is one of the busiest in the Canary Islands.

The port area is well-equipped with useful traveler amenities, including cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, bars, hotels, ATMs, banks, and a large shopping mall next to the terminal. There are also plenty of bus options linking the port area with central Las Palmas and beyond.

Onward travel from Las Palmas port

Baleària offers a free ferry bus from Nelson Mandela Wharf to the Fundación Puerto de Las Palmas office on Avenida de los Consignatarios 21. Availability is restricted on some sailings, so confirm the service before arrival.

On weekdays, the Zona Portuaria service of city bus 19 also connects the ferry berth with Manuel Becerra, where you can transfer to other city buses. Keep in mind that this service does not operate on weekends or public holidays.